Conduct Disorder (CD)

Conduct Disorder (CD) is a disruptive type of behavioural disorder in which a child routinely violates the personal rights of others and shows no care for others’ property. CD is more often diagnosed in boys than girls and affects approximately five percent of the population under 15 years of age in the United Kingdom.

Signs/Symptoms of Conduct Disorder

There are a variety of signs/symptoms of conduct disorder, though for a formal diagnosis there must be at least one shown and it must be shown for a period of more than six months. Common signs/symptoms of CD include aggressive behaviours toward others or animals, destructive behaviours towards the property of others including harming or destroying items (including cars and homes), lying to others, stealing from others and playing truant from school. Older children and teens may also engage in behaviours harmful to themselves such as smoking and tobacco use, alcohol use, substance abuse and engaging in unprotected sexual activities.

Diagnosing Conduct Disorder

A diagnosis of Conduct Disorder must be made by a professional in child psychology. There are two types of conduct disorder and the distinction is marked by age. Child-Onset Type CD is diagnosed when at least one sign or symptom is shown, for at least six months, prior to the age of 10 years. Adolescent-Onset Type CD is diagnosed when at least one sign or symptom is show, for at least six months, after the age of 10 years but no signs or symptoms were shown prior to the age of 10 years. CD may also be described as mild, moderate or severe. Children with mild CD will exhibit few signs/symptoms and cause little harm to others. Children with moderate CD will exhibit multiple signs/symptoms and cause some harm to others. Children with severe CD will exhibit many signs/symptoms and will cause much harm to others through their actions or the consequences of their actions.

Treating Conduct Disorder

The method of treatment selected for a child with Conduct Disorder will be determined by the child’s age, signs/symptoms, and tolerance for or comfort with medications and/or therapies. Main approaches to treatment include cognitive-behavioural therapy which helps to improve a child’s problem-solving, communication, impulse control and anger management skills, family therapy/counselling and possibly medication to treat the signs/symptoms of CD.

Living with Conduct Disorder

It is imperative that a child diagnosed with Conduct Disorder has a supportive family and home environment. Not only is this important for following whatever treatment programme is devised, but it helps the child realise that they are still loved and appreciated despite their behaviours. A healthy diet and plenty of exercise is also essential for children being treated for CD. Notifying teachers and tutors of a diagnosis of CD is also significant as it will help the child feel supported at school and notify educators of the child’s special needs.

Conduct Disorder is a behavioural disorder characterised by aggression, defiance and antisocial behaviour. CD must be diagnosed by a child psychology expert, and treatment may include cognitive-behavioural therapy, family counselling and/or medication to treat the signs/symptoms of the disorder. Families living with CD should remain supportive and loving towards the child with the disorder, and notify teachers and tutors so that the child will be supported at school as well.

i just neec some advice got an 8 year old that is very bright in school but when hes home he gets very angry and smash things if they dont come on at first time also keeps saying he hats hes life wish he was dead sometimes bits every think we bye him hit out at hes mum who has learning dfficulities and will only eat sertenet food as well gets upset very easly and always wants to think hes in charge he does not have many friends because hes always things hes in charge

sue - 5-Apr-17 @ 6:00 PM

I'm very concerned about my 4yo son. He is extremely oppositional and requires 100% attention in order that he is not disruptive and violent to his peers at nursery. This behaviour comes in waves and I'd say is similar to child bi polar except he doesn't have periods of low mood. He's very clingy to me, gets in my bed at night, needs to be cuddled to sleep. Won't sleep before 9 but doesn't want to wake up in the morning. Destructive and violent at times to peers and brother. Highly sensitive- loves tickles but is also I feel slightly inappropriate with body parts if that makes sense! Any idea?

Mel - 1-Mar-17 @ 7:57 AM

My daughter is 4 is bossy, defiant, easily upset and anxious ( diagnosed with anxiety but I'm not convinced) ask her a question or tell her something first she will say no or I don't want to then in next breath say yes or agree to what you have told her ( we think this is to make it her idea!) in nursery if her friends approach her first she screams at them but will happily play with them 5 mins later! ( again her idea?) she has a hang up with getting things wrong!!!! She has been tested for autism and although she does show a few traits ( likes to do a few things the same and if something goes wrong we have to do a do over ( but only sometimes) she hasn't got autism) I have to tread on egg shells everyday and this is just skirting the top! I'm at my wits end!!!!! Can anybody shed some light on her condition???

Witzend - 31-Jan-17 @ 3:42 PM

Sammi - Your Question:

My daughter is 9 years old and I'm at a loss with what I can do about her behaviour. On a daily basis she is totally defiant with anything asked of her, she constantly swears in the home and out in public, she is constantly trying to wind up everyone in the house and always tries ordering everyone about. She is constantly interrupting when being spoke to or others are talking. Also randomly for no reason whatsoever she will make really loud noises and when asked why she just continues making silly noises. On the flip side to this behaviour she has a very nervous side, I can't really explain what sort of behaviour it is so will have to tell you an example.if when walking down street she sees two people arguing she instantly freezes and gets so scared that she will not continue she turns round and runs away, or if she sees someone who is drunk she will do whatever she can to get away from where they are. In quite a few situations she reacts very badly. I'm at a loss and don't know where to turn.

Our Response:

Has she been through some kind of trauma? Does she show any of this kind of behaviour at school? Even if she doesn't, you could ask for a referral to a behaviour specialist via the staff there (we know it's currently school holidays) or via your GP.

KidsBehaviour - 23-Aug-16 @ 11:31 AM

My daughter is 9 years old and I'm at a loss with what I can do about her behaviour. On a daily basis she is totally defiant with anything asked of her, she constantly swears in the home and out in public, she is constantly trying to wind up everyone in the house and always tries ordering everyone about. She is constantly interrupting when being spoke to or others are talking. Also randomly for no reason whatsoever she will make really loud noises and when asked why she just continues making silly noises. On the flip side to this behaviour she has a very nervous side, I can't really explain what sort of behaviour it is so will have to tell you an example....if when walking down street she sees two people arguing she instantly freezes and gets so scared that she will not continue she turns round and runs away, or if she sees someone who is drunk she will do whatever she can to get away from where they are. In quite a few situations she reacts very badly. I'm at a loss and don't know where to turn.

Sammi - 20-Aug-16 @ 10:14 AM

I'm in desperate need of some help for my son before he get thrown out of school he's getting into trouble chewing in class disrupting the class by messing bout shouting out not following instructions getting sent out of lessons then running round school not getting to lessons on time arguing with teachers and us he as had everything he likes taken away like ps4 phone money grounded don't no what else to do please please any advice welcome he is nearly 12

tinalou - 29-Jan-16 @ 4:14 PM

my little brother who is 10 has ODD, ADHD, CD and Tourettesand he really having a rouf time at school and home. it really helps when people know what theyr'e talking about